Louis E. Denfeld
| Louis E. Denfeld | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Birth name | Louis Emil Denfeld |
| Born |
April 13, 1891 Westborough, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | March 28, 1972 (aged 80) Westborough, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1912–1950 |
| Rank |
 Admiral
|
| Commands held |
USS McCall Destroyer Division 11 Destroyer Division 18 Destroyer Squadron 1 Battleship Division 9 Pacific Fleet Chief of Naval Operations |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) |
Louis Emil Denfeld (April 13, 1891 – March 28, 1972) was Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy from December 15, 1947 to November 1, 1949. He also held several significant surface commands during World War II, and after the war commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Born in Westborough, Massachusetts, Denfeld graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1912. He took command of the destroyer McCall (DD-28) in 1919 and served aboard the submarine S-24 (SS-129) during 1923 and 1924. He commanded Destroyer Division 11 from 1935 to 1937.
Denfeld was selected to be aide to the Chief of Naval Operations in 1939, then commanded first Destroyer Division 18, then Destroyer Squadron 1 from 1939 to 1941. He served as Chief of Staff to the Commander of the Atlantic fleet, Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll. For planning of safe routes for escort convoys in this capacity, Denfeld received the Legion of Merit.
Atlantic Fleet Support Force in 1941, then became assistant chief to the Bureau of Navigation in 1942. He led Battleship Division 9 in 1945, was appointed Chief of the Bureau of Personnel in 1945, and commanded Pacific Fleet and all U.S. forces in the area in 1947.
On February 28, 1947 Denfeld was named Military Governor of the Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, and Mariana Islands, replacing Admiral John H. Towers.
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